Vodafone, second largest mobile telecom
operator in India launched 3G services in Guwahati to strengthen its base in
North Eastern market. Guwahati is the capital and largest city in Assam with
more than 1 million population. In order to improve its network and
connectivity, Vodafone invested more than ₹500cr in Assam and North East
telecom circle. In the period between April – October 2015, Vodafone added 115
2G sites along with 248 2G towers. This is in addition of up gradation of existing
150 sites.

Till now Vodafone offered 3G services through
bilateral roaming agreements (ICR) with other mobile carriers. But after acquiring
2100 Mhz (3G) spectrum for Assam & North East circle during March
2015 spectrum auctions, Vodafone ramped up its network and infrastructure. It
is focusing on providing 3G connectivity to its customer to generate revenues
via high speed broadband internet, video calling and other value added
services.

North East circle active mobile subscriber
base is 8.79 million at the end of September 2015. Vodafone has 13.7% market
share in North East with 1.21 million active users. With added network capacity
and launch of 3G services, Vodafone may provide competition to market leader Bharti
Airtel which holds 39.3% market share of active mobile users.

Vodafone expands base in North East through launch of 3G
Reviewed by Boneless Research
on
20.11.15
Rating: 5